Givaudan strengthens sustainable patchouli supply chain in Indonesia

• Multi-year initiative to support patchouli producer communities and protect natural resources in Sulawesi.
• In partnership with Swisscontact and funded by the Givaudan Foundation.

Givaudan is strengthening its sustainable patchouli oil sourcing and improving conditions for smallholder producers in its collection network on the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia through a multi-year project funded by the Givaudan Foundation and in cooperation with the international non-governmental organisation Swisscontact.

Training programmes are being offered to over 1,000 patchouli producers and their families on good agricultural and distillation practices, improved management of household income as well as education on nutrition. Additionally, smallholder patchouli distillation units will be renovated to improve energy efficiency and reduce firewood consumption; trees will be planted as part of the climate-smart cultivation approach.

Givaudan’s collection network in Indonesia comprises hundreds of smallholder farmers and distillers of patchouli oil on the island of Sulawesi since 2013, securing 100% of the supply of the essential ingredient.

“We are strengthening our commitment to sustainable patchouli production in Indonesia as part of our approach to sourcing for shared value,” said Willem Mutsaerts, Head of Global Procurement and Sustainability. “For Givaudan this means being present at source and supporting patchouli producers in the development of their smallholder businesses in a way that is respectful of the environment.”

The goal of the multi-year project is to promote best practices and improve living standards among the Indonesian producer community while protecting precious natural resources on the island.

“We are pleased to be working with Givaudan on this project which represents a first for sustainable Indonesian patchouli production in terms of scope. In partnership with the producers, their families and local government actors, we aim to help increase smallholder production yields, promote the protection of natural resources and create local ownership in the project,” said Peter Bissegger, Director Market Development, Swisscontact.

Patchouli oil is prized by perfumers for its powerful, earthy and long-lasting character. The essential oil is distilled from the dried leaves of the patchouli plant and used to inspire perfumers’ palettes for everything from fine fragrances to fabric care products, while also providing a source of inspiration to craft exclusive new fragrance signatures such as Akigalawood® produced through biotechnology.

About Givaudan

Givaudan is the global leader in the creation of flavours and fragrances. In close collaboration with food, beverage, consumer product and fragrance partners, Givaudan develops tastes and scents that delight consumers the world over. With a passion to understand consumers’ preferences and a relentless drive to innovate, Givaudan is at the forefront of creating flavours and fragrances that ‘engage your senses’. The Company achieved sales of CHF 5.1 billion in 2017. Headquartered in Switzerland with local presence in over 100 locations, the Company has more than 11,100 employees worldwide. Givaudan invites you to discover more at www.givaudan.com.

About the Givaudan Foundation

The Givaudan Foundation is a non-profit organisation created by Givaudan in 2013 as a result of the Company’s desire to reinforce its commitment towards the communities in which it operates. Its purpose is to initiate and support projects as well as to grant donations in areas defined by its vision and mission. Our vision is to make a difference in the communities where Givaudan is active through contributions that are enriched with sensory expertise and employees’ dedication. Our aims are to support education, contribute to health, protect the environment and create awareness about the causes we care for: Communities at source, Blindness and Family nutrition. The Givaudan Foundation works closely with and relies on resources provided by Givaudan to conduct and monitor its projects. It also operates with local partners to ensure the efficient deployment of projects and their relevance for those who are intended to benefit from them. For further details, please consult: www.givaudan-foundation.org.

About Swisscontact

Swisscontact promotes sustainable economic growth by giving people the opportunity to improve their living conditions on their own. In its project work, Swisscontact facilitates access to vocational education, promotes local entrepreneurship, creates access to local financial services and supports the efficient use of resources with the aim of effectively promoting income and employment. 
Swisscontact was founded in 1959 as an independent foundation by personalities from the Swiss economy and science. It is exclusively active in international cooperation and implements its own and mandated projects. Since its inception, Swisscontact has maintained close ties with the private sector. In 2017, Swisscontact was active in 35 countries with around 1,300 employees. The Foundation's headquarters are in Zurich. www.swisscontact.org.

For further information please contact

Peter Wullschleger, Media and Investor Relations
T +41 22 780 9093
E peter_b.wullschleger@givaudan.com